Flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers market in Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in the Caribbean grew from 70 513 t to 92 947 t. This increase was partly driven by global interest in cassava flour as a wheat flour alternative, spurred by initiatives such as an industrialization project in the Democratic Republic of Congo that promoted the use of up to 20% cassava flour in baking. Additionally, growing recognition of cassava flour's nutritional qualities, including its gluten-free nature and digestibility, boosted consumer demand, especially among those seeking gluten-free options.

After 2020, market volume growth slowed, stabilizing at around 93 000 t from 2021 to 2023. In 2022, high wheat flour prices encouraged partial substitution with cassava flour in some regions, supporting demand. However, in 2023, diseases such as cassava "witches' broom" in Brazil and Guyana affected local production, potentially limiting supply. Concurrently, the introduction of new standards for local flours, including cassava, improved product quality and fostered consumer confidence.

Production flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers in Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

World map of production of flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers, 2017-2020

Caribbean's production of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 92 638 tonnes, marking a steady increase of 5.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 37.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers from Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 12.7 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 54.0 tonnes in 2020—a 4.3-fold increase. This 2020 figure represents a dramatic rise of 326.1% over the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 28.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Caribbean exports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers were distributed across numerous countries. France accounted for 10.3% of exports, Guyana for 6.9%, and the United States for 3.4%. Together, these three countries made up just 20.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export values hit their lowest point in 2018 at 66.6 thousand US dollars, then climbed to a peak of 140.9 thousand US dollars in 2020—a 2.1-fold variation. The 2020 figure reflects a significant increase of 94.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a drop of 35.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, France led the export structure in value terms with a 42.9% share, followed by Guyana at 7.8% and Venezuela at 2.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 53.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports flour or powder of sago, roots or tubers to Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility over these years. Import volumes were at their lowest in 2018, totaling 95.1 tonnes, then rose to a high of 362.9 tonnes in 2020—a 3.8-fold gap. The 2020 volume indicates a strong year-over-year increase of 18.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 60.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a surge of 223.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil was the main source for Caribbean imports of flour or powder from sago, roots, or tubers, accounting for 28.3% of imports in kind. Nicaragua followed with 23.6%, and Thailand with 19.2%. Together, these three countries comprised 71.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during this period. Import values dropped to their minimum in 2018 at 104.1 thousand US dollars, then peaked in 2020 at 375.2 thousand US dollars—a 3.6-fold shift. The 2020 amount shows a sharp year-over-year increase of 25.6%. The largest decline was in 2018, with a decrease of 48.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a jump of 186.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In the years 2017 to 2020, the United States was the principal destination for Caribbean imports in value terms, making up 30.7% of the total. Brazil accounted for 19.0%, and Nicaragua for 17.5%. Collectively, these three countries represented 67.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Caribbean in value, 2017-2020